Are you minding the company you keep?

July 29, 2026

Are you minding the company you keep?

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

~Proverbs 13:20

I read daily Our Daily Bread book story that I get. Today's was a good reminder for all of us. Who are we hanging out with? Are we hanging with wise people? I know I prefer to, if someone is full of hate, if they swear a lot, if they smoke pot, always negative, full of hate, and living in misery I usually do not want to hang around with them. Some people I know, from work and otherwise, they have changed a lot over the past few years, it may be their hate, the TDS they have, the vaccine which hurt their pineal gland/emotions/personality, Whatever the case, some people wanted me to join their hate clubs, or are always so negative and full of so much hate. I just cannot join any hate club, I won't so it is fine if they have cancelled me. I do not want to be around or listen to haters, people with hate in their hart. I am minding my company for sure. Today the ODB Ministries spoke about this issue today.

Marvin Williams from Our Daily Bread Ministries said, "A scientific study revealed that watching TV programs featuring mean characters can actually lead people to be mean. Various forms of aggression—whether outright fighting or subtle gossip—primes viewers’ brains for similar behavior. This connection is often subconscious, meaning that even shows with seemingly “harmless” jokes at others’ expense can subtly influence how we treat others. So, too, the people we choose to spend our time with will affect our behavior. Solomon provides timeless wisdom on this important subject: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). He implies that individuals may not achieve this wisdom alone, so they should associate with wise, God-honoring people—teachers and friends—instead of those who are foolish. Surrounding oneself with wise individuals fosters “good judgment” and helps us steer clear of “destruction” (v. 15). One scholar calls this “education by friendship.” Regular companions inevitably influence each other, for better or worse. Solomon urges us to be aware of the company we keep, recognizing that “the teaching of the wise is a fountain of life” (v. 14). As God helps us, let’s consistently surround ourselves with people who will encourage us to revere Him, love others, and grow in wisdom.

Reflect & Pray

Why is it vital to learn from people who love others and act wisely? How can you encourage others to grow in love and wisdom?

Loving God, thank You for the people who’ve taught me wisdom, kindness, and love.

Today's Insights

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings penned by several people. Today’s text comes from a portion of Scripture that King Solomon wrote. Tragically, the challenge was one that he himself failed to follow. He wrote, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). Yet he’d surrounded himself with one thousand pagan wives and concubines (1 Kings 11:3), which was forbidden by God (v. 2), and they drew Solomon away from Him: “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been. He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites” (vv. 4-5). God desires instead that we surround ourselves with those who encourage us to love Him and others." Found at: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/the-company-we-keep?ts=1785283200000

So, are you minding your company you keep? Are you associating with wise people? Today the people who think they are wise are not that wise, when they are full of hate, TDS, elitisms, or the ones pushing all this DEI, CRT, and racism toward white people. They are full of hypotheticals, fear, hate, and difficult to be around for sure. Some are so elite, they live in the fanciest gated communities, but are hypocrites, acting like they care about the poor, marginalized, and persecuted. It is sad to see. What is the worst thing to see is the hate. The TDS, The negativity and their misery. It is not nice to be around. They lack God and do not know Jesus. They prefer universal churches with no deity, but many. We all need Jesus, He is the way, the truth and the life. He is who we need to follow. We are called to reflect, forgive, imitate, and love like Jesus! If you are surrounded by bad people, unwise, full of hate, negative, and in their misery, mind your company, find good people who are prayerful, grateful, positive, loving, and joyful in the Lord. Yes, remember that God desires instead that we surround ourselves with those who encourage us to love Him and others!